While living in Mexico City, we specialized in weekend escapes from the city. Although the metropolis has a lot to offer, soaking it in daily can be exhausting. These 15 weekend trips promise a break from the chaos – if you make it out of Mexico City traffic in one piece.

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Less than 4 hours

#1- Tepoztlán, Morelos

Tepoztlán is a welcome oasis south of Mexico City. The town lives up to its Pueblo Mágico status, with colorful streets and an impressive mountain backdrop. After eating your way through town, relax in one of the many spa hotels that Tepoztlán is known for.

Stay

We started off the new year well-rested and wrinkly, after a relaxing weekend in La Buena Vibra Retreat and Spa. The heated outdoor pools and gardens are scenically located at the foot of the mountains.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Enter the second story highway before getting caught in the traffic chaos below. The roads are curvy but very scenic.

#2- Las Estacas, Morelos

Las Estacas is a stunning natural park that makes you forget about the city in seconds. The crystal clear river that runs through the park is the center stage for all types of water activities. Add several pools and delicious cocktails to the mix and Las Estacas makes up the perfect weekend getaway. To plan your escape to this tropical retreat, check out my weekend guide to Las Estacas.

Stay

We had our favorite glamping experience up to date at Las Estacas. The glamping area is divided into secluded natural boots, with a glamping tent and private outdoor shower.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 2 hours. The road via Tepoztlán is slightly longer but less hectic.

#3- Bernal, Queretaro

The Pueblo Magíco of Bernal is located at the foot of pico de Bernal, one of the largest monoliths in the world. We arrived at sunset and were in awe of this little town with its colorful cathedral and scenic backdrop. The cozy streets are scattered with restaurants, rooftop bars and cheese shops. Bernal is the perfect base town to explore the wineries of Querétaro – more on that below.

Stay

We had dinner on the rooftop of boutique hotel Casa Mateo. Behind the stone walls of the hotel hides a stunning courtyard with swimming pool.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 3 hours and 30 minutes. Bernal is on Querétaro’s Art, Cheese and Wine Route.

#4- Ruta del Vino, Queretaro

The state of Queretaro is Mexico’s second largest wine producer, after Baja California. To put its wines on the map, the state came up with an Art, Cheese and Wine Route. We skipped the art and visited four of the 18 wineries on the route. While the quality of the wines differs greatly, all wineries had beautiful grounds and expansive views in common. For a detailed itinerary, visit my guide to the Querétaro wine route.

Stay

Queretaro’s wine region is located between two Pueblos Mágicos, Tequisquiapan and Bernal. We stayed one night in each town and visited the wineries in between.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City to Tequisquiapan is 3 hours, which is the starting point of the wine route. A helpful map to navigate the Art, Cheese and Wine Route can be found on the official website.

#5- Parque Nacional Izta-Popo, Estado de Mexico

Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl are two snow-capped volcanoes that can be seen from Mexico City on a clear day. Popo is often spouting smoke, but Izta is dormant and can be climbed on a well-prepared excursion. We sticked to a leisurely hike from the parking area to the Izta base camp. By the time we got back, temperatures had dropped from 15°C to freezing.

Stay

Hacienda Panoaya is located 20 minutes outside of the national park. All rooms look out over Izta and Popo.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Getting cornered at a toll-boot close to the park tops our list of nerve-wracking moments in Mexico traffic.

#6- Puebla & Cholula, Puebla

Puebla is a beautiful colonial city, praised for its traditional food. We visited in August, at the start of chile en nogada season. This signature plate represents the Mexican flag and is sourced with ingredients from the Puebla region. Walk off Puebla’s delicious dishes on a free walking tour by Estación Mexico.

San Andrés Cholula is located right next to Puebla. The town houses a total of 40 churches, with the most famous one built right on top of Mexico’s biggest pyramid – courtesy of Hernán Cortés. The climb to the church, la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, is rewarded with panoramic views of Izta and Popo.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 2 hours. Federal Highway 150D runs all the way from Mexico City to Puebla. The road winds through the Puebla mountains.

#7- Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo

Huasca de Ocampo serves as a base town for exploring El Chico National Park, but has an impressive attraction of its own. Huasca’s Basaltic Prisms made it to Mexico’s 13 Natural Wonders list. El Chico National Park offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints and a lake with entertainment. We hiked to the Mirador Peña del Cuervo and spent Sunday afternoon the Mexican way: out and about with a giant michelada.

Stay

The region of Huasca de Ocampo is perfect for a stay in the woods. Our cabin-experience was not exactly what we hoped for, falling asleep (and waking back up) to the sound of passing trucks.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 2 hours. Once passed hectic Pachuca, the road becomes curvy and scenic.

#8- Taxco, Guerrero

The mountain town of Taxco is known for its silver production and VW Beetles. Although the silver mines were depleted a long time ago, Taxco remains a silver shopping destination. The picturesque town houses many artisans creating inexpensive silver jewelry. The only cars that can handle Taxco’s narrow, steep and cobblestone streets are Volkswagen Beetles. The last Bugs were produced in 2012, but are still around in Mexico’s mountain towns.

Stay

Taxco counts many charming hotels with views over the city and surrounding hills. Hotel Boutique Pueblo Lindo serves breakfast at the rooftop terrace of restaurant Rosa Amaranto.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 3 hours. We made a stop at Posas Azules de Atzala on the way back. With natural pools and waterfalls in a beautiful setting, this park is definitely worth the detour.

#9- Honey, Puebla

The municipality of Honey is home to Cascadas Paraíso, a series of 10 waterfalls tucked away in a scenic mountain range. The Centro Ecoturistico is managed by the local community as is often the case in Mexico. A hiking trail connects all ten waterfalls and takes about two hours to complete.

Stay

The park has a campground with spectacular views over the Puebla mountains. At night, locals sell tamales and set up your campfire.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 3 hours. The state of Puebla is known for its rich agriculture. When we visited in October, prickly pears or tuna were sold at fruit stands along the road.

#10- San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

San Miguel de Allende is often considered the most enchanting city in Mexico. Colorful streets are lined with boutique restaurants and rooftop bars. The Mercado de Artesanías is a great market to stock up on beautiful and inexpensive handicrafts. The city attracts many expats and retirees, which make up about 10 percent of the population.

Stay

We stayed in Hotel Tierra de Sol y Luna, a charming B&B with rooftop terrace. The B&B is located in the historic city center, but far enough from the action to have a quiet night.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 3 hours. San Miguel de Allende was our very first weekend escape from Mexico City, resulting in this weekend guide to the city.

4 hours or more

#11- Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo

Grutas Tolantongo is an impressive natural spa, housing a series of hot spring pools carved into the mountainside. These pozitas have different temperatures based on their position and size, ranging from warm to steaming hot. Although the pools are man-made, the water is naturally heated by hot springs originating from volcanic activity in the area. The steaming turquoise river that cascades through the valley offers more relaxing.

Stay

There are four economic hotels and a large campground by the river. The key is to arrive early, as none of the hotels can be reserved in advance. The campground is a good alternative for the very basic hotel rooms.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 4 hours. For more details on this unique spa, check out my guide to Grutas de Tolantongo.

#12- Acapulco, Guerrero

Acapulco is the number one beach escape for Mexico City residents. Many families own a second house in Acapulco and head out every holiday weekend. Although the beaches are not the best by Mexican standards, the seafood stalls and restaurants make for a fun day out. At night, the La Quebrada Cliff Divers steal the show by diving into the ocean from cliffs up to 24 meters high.

Stay

The highlight of Acapulco was our stay in Hotel Las Brisas. This iconic hotel was built in the 1950s, during the glory days of Acapulco as a beach destination. It was renovated in 2007 but still maintains the luxury retro vibe. The 261 bungalows perched on a hill all have private swimming pools and fantastic views of the Acapulco bay. Transport within the complex is by pink and white Jeeps only.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 5 hours. On holiday weekends, the exodus to Acapulco can double the driving time. Make sure to leave early or even better, fly. We didn’t find out until after our trip that the road to Acapulco isn’t considered the safest.

#13- Tequila, Jalisco

Mexico’s signature drink can only be produced in Jalisco and part of its neighboring states. Tequila is one of 18 denominaciones de origen in Mexico, an authenticity mark protecting unique regional products. The spirit is strictly made of blue Weber agave, which thrives in the soils and climate of Jalisco. The charming town of Tequila is the epicenter of tequila production, surrounded by blue agave fields and tequila distilleries.

We embarked on the Jose Cuervo Express for the full tequila experience. The itinerary includes an agave harvesting demo, a tour of the Jose Cuervo Distillery, a traditional dance show, a tequila tasting and an epic train ride through the agave fields. Tequila flows non-stop throughout the day, mixed up in delicious cocktails. If this doesn’t sound convincing, I wrote a full review of a day on the Jose Cuervo Express.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City to Guadalajara, starting point of the Jose Cuervo Express, is 6 hours. We skipped the driving and flew in on Friday night for this trip, as the Tequila train only departs Saturdays at 9 AM.

#14- Oaxaca de Juaréz, Oaxaca

Oaxaca is the most ethnically diverse of all 31 states in Mexico. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring capital Oaxaca de Juaréz and its surroundings. The Ruta Mágica de Artesanías passes through six towns, each one known for a local handicraft. There are two significant archeological zones, Monte Alban and Mitla. Oaxaca is also considered the cradle of mezcal production, with distilleries or palenques centered around the town of Santiago Matatlán.

Stay

We stayed in Hotel Casa de la Tía Tere, a charming boutique hotel in the center of Oaxaca. The beautiful garden with pool offers a welcome break from Oaxaca’s hot and humid weather. In the morning, a delicious breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City is 6 hours. The 135D road leading up to Oaxaca is in good condition but two-lane only. The worst part is the final stretch after entering Oaxaca, with potholes and traffic chaos everywhere.

#15- Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí

The Huasteca Potosina is a region in the state of San Luis Potosí, home to a series of stunning waterfalls. The calcium in the surrounding rocks gives the water a surreal, turquoise color. The area is popular with local tourists, but receives little to no international visitors due to its remote location in Central Mexico. If you plan to visit, my guide to La Huasteca Potosina will be a good start.

Stay

We chose to pitch our tent at Cascada de Minas Viejas. Camping right next to this natural wonder and having it practically to ourselves was a unique (and somewhat daunting) experience, topping our list of memorable camping backdrops. The nearest towns around the falls house family-run hostels and hotels.

Getting there

The driving time from Mexico City to Las Pozas is 7 hours, passing the scenic Sierra Gorda mountain range in Querétaro. Given the distance to and between the falls, reserve at least 3 to 4 days for this trip.

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